Three decades ago Comedian David Strassman arrived at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre for his first-ever stage performance and next month he returns with his new show The Chocolate Diet.
The ventriloquist recalls the smell of the popcorn that tantalised his tastebuds as he set up for his first-ever stage show in the early 1990s at the local theatre.
“It was my very first stage performance,” he said.
“We had travelled from a venue in Ballarat, and I remember it well.”
Strassman said his experience on a theatre stage was in stark contrast to the clinking of glasses and smoke from the pub scene he was previously known for performing in.
He said not only did switching to live theatre shows give him a new experience, but memories that had lasted 30 years.
Coming back to Bundaberg, Strassman said he had a sweet spot for the region and looked forward to bringing The Chocolate Diet show to local audiences.
“This show will be my funniest show yet, with amazing special effects, it’s guaranteed the audience will laugh every few seconds,” he said.
“It has massive sets with huge chocolate donuts, it is delicious, people will be bombarded with fantastic food.”
Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, Strassman said The Chocolate Diet was a hilarious look at people’s obsession with sweets and lollies and would include character Ted E. Bare’s drama with his self-image and addiction to chocolate.
“I don’t want to give too much away but Ted E. Bare transitions throughout the show, he ponders on ‘should I eat that?’ a question at the core of all of us,” Strassman said.
“Ted E may need to lose a few pounds but he says it’s not his fault – it’s his arms fault as they keep putting the chocolate in his mouth. It’s a funny show, that doesn’t make fun.”
Strassman said the idea for The Chocolate Diet had come about during his own personal food experience.
“During COVID, I started getting pains here and there, and I changed to a vegan diet… I am a bunny rabbit now and one thing I love about coming to Australia is that I never have a problem of finding fresh food,” he said.
“I love making audiences laugh and this new show, The Chocolate Diet, is probably my funniest to date.
“It’s also quite delicious, and watch out, it’s fattening too!”
Since his early performances in the ’90s, Strassman has been embraced throughout Australia.
He is one man with many voices, who is described as a dark-edged, avant-garde artist who lifted ventriloquism into the 21st century, acquiring a multitude of fans and critical acclaim along the way.
The international comedy star said he was excited to return to Queensland for the first time since 2019, with his show The Chocolate Diet would be on at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 7 June.
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